 |
GSNN ON THE
RADIO LISTEN TO STREAMING AUDIO   |
|
|
|
||
|
Thanks for Playing! |
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | WEEKEND | PRIMETIME | SCHEDULE | ARCHIVES: 30 90 | WLTI | STATE OF PLAY | ABOUT |
  |
 |
|
|
|
In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the beloved 1971 classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Netflix today announced that Wonka's The Golden Ticket will premiere globally on September 23, inviting audiences into a thrilling new competition based on Roald Dahl's book Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and inspired by one of the most iconic worlds in cinematic history. Twelve lucky Golden Ticket winners, each with a partner of their choosing, will step through the gates of Wonka's Chocolate Factory and into a world of pure imagination, delicious mischief, and unexpected challenges. Once inside, contestants must navigate a series of Wonka's games, tests, and temptations designed to challenge them physically, mentally, and morally. In this high-stakes social experiment, players will journey through the factory's wondrous and unpredictable landscape, adapting, strategizing, and withstanding the unknown while proving they have the instincts, resilience, and character to thrive in chaos. In the end, only one contestant will have what it takes to earn Wonka's life-changing prize. Adding to the nostalgia, Wonka's The Golden Ticket will feature the recreated voice of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, honoring the legendary performance that has enchanted generations of audiences. The voice of Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka has been recreated with the consent of Mr. Wilder's estate. The series will also welcome back Rusty Goffe, who appeared in the original 1971 film, reprising his role as an Oompa Loompa. "More than five decades after Gene brought Willy Wonka to life, people of all ages and backgrounds around the world continue to find joy, laughter and inspiration in his performance," said Karen B. Wilder, Gene Wilder's wife, on behalf of the Gene Wilder Estate. "Gene had a remarkable ability to bring humor, wonder and heart into people's lives, and that connection has endured for generations. We are delighted that Wonka's The Golden Ticket celebrates the warmth and imagination that he brought to the role, introducing that magic to a new generation while honoring the fans who have cherished it for decades." In collaboration with the Roald Dahl Story Company, which Netflix acquired in 2021, and the Gene Wilder Estate, Wonka's The Golden Ticket pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Dahl's beloved book and Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory while reimagining its world for a new era of audiences. Wonka's The Golden Ticket will premiere on Netflix September 23, with a two-part finale on September 30. |
posted 6/30/2026 |
|
|
|
|
CBS announced today that actor, television personality and BIG BROTHER superfan Jerry O'Connell will join the upcoming season of BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED as a celebrity panelist alongside returning panelists and BIG BROTHER champions Taylor Hale and Derrick Levasseur. BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED premieres Friday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on CBS and Paramount+. "BIG BROTHER is my summer and rolls into my fall too. I'm already watching on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, so the fact that CBS is now paying me to do it is kind of amazing," says O'Connell. "It's an absolute honor to sit next to Derrick - 'Champ,' as I call him - and Taylor, who is my all-time favorite BIG BROTHER winner (sorry, Jag). This is what we call in showbiz a dream gig. I'll do my best to be the voice of the fans, but as Julie says, expect the unexpected. And most importantly, remember to love one another. I'm soooo excited to join the BIG BROTHER fam!" O'Connell, Hale and Levasseur will anchor the companion series as part of BIG BROTHER's biggest summer ever, featuring more programming hours than any season in the franchise's history. This season, BIG BROTHER will make television history as the first primetime series ever to reach 1,000 original episodes (date of the 1,000th episode to be announced). BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED will break down gameplay, evaluate the competition and share exclusive insider perspectives. The premiere episode launches a new interactive fan vote that will have a major impact on the game and kicks off the season's live studio audience experience, a new addition that will continue throughout the summer. Featuring new and returning fan-favorite segments, the series will offer exclusive content, inside-the-house footage, behind-the-scenes access, extended interviews, at-home packages, surprise visits from past BB favorites, unparalleled access - and the return of the coveted BBies Award Show. O'Connell is well known within the BIG BROTHER fandom and has long maintained a close connection to the franchise and its legacy. Hale made franchise history in season 24 as the first houseguest ever to take home both the grand prize and the title of America's Favorite Houseguest. Levasseur, a former undercover detective, famously dominated season 16 of the series, cementing his status as one of the show's greatest tacticians by navigating the entire game without facing eviction until the final three. BIG BROTHER returns with its most programming hours ever, kicking off with a special 90 minute premiere on Thursday, July 9 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT), the return of BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED on Friday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) and a 90-minute Sunday episode on Sunday, July 12 (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT). Julie Chen Moonves returns as host. Paramount+ subscribers and Pluto TV viewers can continue to catch all the action on the BIG BROTHER live feeds. Reaching a historic milestone as the first primetime series to hit 1,000 original episodes, BIG BROTHER returns for its 28th season. The season ushers in a landmark summer as Houseguests enter the iconic BIG BROTHER house, with unexpected moments and a season packed with twists and turns. After its premiere, the series will air Wednesdays (8:00-9:30 PM, ET/delayed PT), followed by hour-long shows on Thursdays, featuring live evictions, and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/delayed PT). BIG BROTHER: UNLOCKED returns with exclusive footage from inside the house, extended interviews, surprise guest appearances and behind-the-scenes access. For the first time ever, the series will feature a live studio audience, bringing fans directly into the action. Packed with new segments and returning fan favorites, the series breaks down gameplay, evaluates the competition and shares insider perspectives, starting Friday, July 10 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). Host Julie Chen Moonves told Entertainment Tonight on Wednesday that she was excited when she first learned about the Season 28 theme. "I was like, 'Oh yeah!'" she said to the producers. "You don't even have to say more — I get it. They were about to explain it and I was like, 'Say no more.' This is brilliant. Brilliant! Why has it taken us this long to do it?" It wouldn't be Big Brother without all those wild twists and turns (the show's motto, after all, is "expect the unexpected"). While the official theme will be revealed soon, recent seasons took on a murder mystery hotel, artificial intelligence, and a multiverse. There are unsubstantiated rumors online that the Season 28 theme will be "Time Trip," with the houseguests competing across different eras, facing returning legends, and navigating former game mechanics. But CBS has not confirmed those to be true. |
posted 6/30/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) today announced its intention to separate into two independent publicly traded companies through a tax-free spin-off of NBCUniversal and Sky. Upon completion of the transaction, Comcast shareholders will own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal, creating two focused industry leaders, each with significant scale, strong financial profiles and distinct strategic opportunities. The proposed separation reflects Comcast's track record of positioning its businesses to compete and win in rapidly changing markets. As technological innovation, consumer behavior and competitive dynamics continue to reshape both media and communications, Comcast's Board and management team believe each company will be better positioned to pursue its own strategic priorities, invest for growth and create long-term shareholder value as independent entities. Brian L. Roberts will continue to be actively involved in the leadership of Comcast and NBCUniversal, working in partnership with the CEOs of both companies. Mike Cavanagh will be the Chief Executive Officer of NBCUniversal and Comcast's former Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis will become the Chief Executive Officer of Comcast, following completion of the separation and in the interim will join as a Strategic Advisor. Comcast is a leading technology company serving residential and business customers through its broadband, wireless and entertainment platforms. Comcast will focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences backed by the nation's largest converged network, reaching more than 65 million homes and businesses, its intelligent fiber network architecture and global technology platforms. With one of the nation's fastest-growing wireless businesses, the industry's leading business services platform and substantial free cash flow generation, Comcast is well-positioned for long-term growth. NBCUniversal is a premier global media and entertainment company, anchored by its growing theme parks division, Universal film and television studios, NBC and Telemundo networks, Peacock, and Bravo. In addition, NBCUniversal's global portfolio will include Sky, our European media business. Together, these businesses will be powered by a portfolio of world-class intellectual property, a deep content library, extraordinary content creation capabilities, and exceptional strength across sports, news and entertainment. With iconic brands, valuable intellectual property, global distribution and leading creative talent, NBCUniversal will be strongly positioned to compete and grow in an evolving media landscape. |
posted 6/30/2026 |
|
|
|
|
The British government has signalled that it is likely to intervene in Paramount Skydance’s proposed $110 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discover, citing concerns about maintaining media plurality. Lisa Nandy, the U.K.’s Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said in a written statement to Parliament on Tuesday, “Following engagement with the parties and independent research, my department has today written to the current and proposed owners of Warner Bros. Discovery on my behalf to inform them that I am minded to intervene.” It will decide whether to refer the merger to a Phase 2 investigation by Aug. 7. The move comes after the CMA launched a public comment period for interested parties to express their views on the impact the merger could have on competition in the UK, which concluded on April 27. Under a Phase 1 review, the CMA would have 40 working days to decide whether the merger needs a more in-depth review. If it finds concerns with the merger, it will give the merging businesses five days to propose remedies to address its concerns. The CMA would then have up to 5 more working days to consider the remedies. If none are offered or it does not accept them, the merger would be referred to a Phase 2 review. If if decides to accept remedies provisionally, it would publicly consult on them and consider any responses, with a deadline of 50 working days to make a decision. If the review moves to Phase 2, an independent “inquiry group,” which consists of 3 to 5 people with a range of business, finance, economic and legal experience, would lead the investigation and makes the final decision within 24 weeks. In special circumstances, a Phase 2 investigation can be extended by up to eight additional weeks. The inquiry group would then either clear the merger, consider remedies such as asset divestitures or a legal commitment from the merging businesses to behave in a certain way, or block the merger. In addition, Paramount has slammed rival Netflix in a letter to the Department of Justice for campaigning against the Warner Bros. Discovery merger amid regulatory review of the deal with the David Ellison company. “As Paramount pushes forward with its ‘content-first’ growth strategy, firms like Netflix, Amazon MGM, Disney, Universal, Sony, Lionsgate, A24, Apple, and many others will need to respond in kind, presumably by enhancing their own content creation strategies. (Indeed, Netflix’s panic level response and scorched-earth campaign to try and poison regulators and other stakeholders against the Transaction shows just how seriously Netflix takes Paramount as a scaled competitor.),” Makan Delrahim, Par’s Chief Legal Officer, wrote in a letter to the DOJ’s Antitrust Division. The letter didn’t detail specific actions by Netflix or others. In a statement to Deadline, a Netflix spokesperson disputed the characterization. “These claims from Paramount Skydance are absurd. We walked away from this deal months ago and remain focused on our own business, not theirs. Ultimately, it’s up to the regulators to approve this deal and determine if it is in the best interest of the industry and all concerned,” the streamer said. Paramount said today that competition authorities in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Serbia and North Macedonia have approved its pending merger with Warner Bros. Discovery. Foreign direct investment authorities in Germany, Slovenia, Belgium, Czechia, New Zealand, Italy, France and Romania are also on board, the David Ellison-run company said in an SEC filing.. |
posted 6/30/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Jeremy Clarkson is set to return for more episodes of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and spinoff “Millionaire Hot Seat” following news he is in remission from cancer. U.K. network ITV has ordered 15 episodes of the flagship quiz show as well as 20 episodes of the “Hot Seat” spin-off, which launched in January this year and is also hosted by Clarkson. The high-pressure game is given an added twist by requiring contestants to answer questions quickly in a fast-moving queue system or risk being replaced. Both “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “Millionaire Hot Seat” are produced by Sony Pictures Television-backed Stellify Media for ITV and its streaming platform ITVX, commissioned by ITV’s Katie Rawcliffe, Kevin O’Brien and David Smyth. Kerri Reid exec produces for Stellify. “The ‘Millionaire’ brand continues to deliver for ITV audiences and ‘Millionaire Hot Seat’ has brought an exciting new energy to the format,” Rawcliffe said in a statement. “The combination of Jeremy Clarkson’s hosting and the high-pressure gameplay has proved a winning formula, so we’re delighted to be bringing both ‘Millionaire Hot Seat’ and ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ back for more episodes.” Clarkson will shoot both shows later this year. The journalist turned television personality recently revealed on the latest season of his Prime Video series “Clarkson’s Farm” that he had been diagnosed with an “aggressive” form of prostate cancer. In a Sunday Times interview last week following the revelation he updated fans that he was now in remission following surgery, calling himself “officially the world’s luckiest man.” |
posted 6/30/2026 |
|
|
Tuesday Lightning Round |
|
|
|
|
|
Running Man (No, Not That One) Comes to the US |
|
Running Man, a long-running Korean variety series, is eyeing a run in the U.S. The series, which is ostensibly a weekly game of tag, comes from Korean broadcaster SBS, which is working with Pippa Lambert’s Hellcat on a U.S. adaptation. The show launched in Korea in 2010 and with over 700 episodes, is a staple of SBS’ weekend schedule. It has been described as a mix between Traitors and Taskmaster. It is a “high-concept celebrity urban chase show that has evolved into a character-driven competition series blending celebrity guests, large-scale missions, strategic mind games, and serialized comedic rivalries”, per the logline. Hellcat, founded by former ICM and WME agent Lambert in 2020, has just started conversations with networks and streamers over the remake. It marks the latest international format for the company, which is adapting Australian canine reality series Muster Dogs, for Wonder Project. |
posted 6/29/2026 |
|
|
M6 Drops More "Money" |
|
The game show Money Drop is officially coming back to French television. The M6 network announced that it’s reviving the series, which was long associated with TF1 and host Laurence Boccolini. The reboot is set to premiere next season in M6’s early‑evening lineup, positioned as a lead‑in to primetime. M6 plans to air new episodes daily, alternating the show with The Best Bakery, another staple of its early‑evening schedule. For the relaunch, M6 has tapped Olivier Minne to host the new version. It’s a significant move for the network, which has been steadily positioning Minne as one of its marquee game‑show personalities. He recently fronted the revival of Weakest Link, a format also previously hosted in France by Laurence Boccolini. With Money Drop, Minne now inherits a second franchise closely tied to Boccolini. M6 is betting that a fresh face can reinvigorate a familiar brand while keeping the core gameplay that made the show a hit in the first place. |
posted 6/29/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Former “Love Island USA” star Alannah Keyser issued an apology to TikTok on Saturday after being kicked off the Peacock reality show for using the n-word in a resurfaced video. The video shows Keyser rapping along to Roddy Ricch’s 2019 track “The Box” and singing the lyrics with the n-word. “I’m coming on here to address some things that have been circulating online,” Keyser said. “I do want to begin by addressing the video of me singing along to a Roddy Ricch song that contains a racial slur. I’m sorry to whoever has seen that video and has been offended by it, that was never my intention. The video is from six years ago, and that word is just not in my vocabulary anymore.” She added, “I do want to say directly that I do not support racism or discrimination of any kind, and I never have. When I first found out that these things were going around online, it really broke my heart, and I couldn’t do anything about it. But this has definitely been a learning lesson for me, and it sucks that I didn’t get a chance to really show my personality and who I am.” Keyser is the second “Love Island USA” Season 8 contestant to get the boot for saying the n-word. In late May, Vasana Montgomery was fired in the days leading up to the Season 8 premiere after two videos of her using the slur went viral. In last year’s Season 7, two contestants, Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, were also caught using racial slurs and had to exit the Villa. |
posted 6/29/2026 |
|
|
Casa Amor UK |
|
ITV2’s Love Island UK is heating up as the Casa Amor boys and girls enter the villa to shake things up. The dating series hosted by Maya Jama is introducing 12 new bombshells — 6 girls and 6 boys — to test the couples’ connections as they continue their love journey. Some relationships might end completely, and some Islanders might find a stronger connection with one of the new Islanders as they continue grafting. The 12 new Islanders entering Casa Amor are: Charleen (25, Dublin), Mara (25, Luton), Martha (25, London), Olivia (23, Doncaster), Nevaeh (22, Gloucester), Julia (26, London), Tommy (23, Essex), Gabriel (24, London), Jordon (28, Surrey), Will (23, Barnsley), Carlos (22, New Forest), and Aaron (26, East London). The Love Island UK Season 13 Casa Amor twist starts on Sunday, June 28 at 9 p.m. BST on ITV2 and stream on ITVX. For U.S. viewers, the episode will start streaming on Hulu on Tuesday, June 30. Love Island is produced by Lifted Entertainment, part of ITV Studios, and WPP Media Motion Entertainment. |
posted 6/29/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Dame Penelope Keith, the BAFTA-winning British actress best known for the BBC comedy The Good Life, has died. She was 86. In a statement sent to British media, Keith’s family said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that Dame Penelope Keith died peacefully whilst living with cancer at her home in Surrey where she had lived for more than 50 years. “The family is grateful for the care and support she received throughout her treatments, and ask that their privacy be respected at this time.” Keith was born Penelope Anne Constance Hatfield on April 2, 1940. She joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 and secured her first major screen credit in The Army Game, the ITV comedy that aired between 1957 and 1961. Keith progressed to roles in Carry on Doctor, The Avengers, and Private Lives before she was cast in The Good Life in 1975. The Good Life is woven into the fabric of British comedy and featured Keith as Margo Leadbetter, a straight-laced neighbour to Richard Briers and Felicity Kendal’s Tom and Barbara Good, who escape the rat race to live a self-sufficient lifestyle in suburbia. Keith won her first BAFTA for The Good Life in 1977. A year later, she doubled her tally of bronze masks, winning for her work in The Norman Conquests: Living Together, a television play written by Alan Ayckbourn. She was also BAFTA-nominated for To the Manor Born, the BBC comedy. One of her final screen credits was Death Comes to Pemberley, the 2013 limited series based on PD James’s homage to Pride and Prejudice, co-starring Matthew Rhys. In game shows, Keith was featured on episodes of Call My Bluff, Going for a Song, and the British version of What's My Line?. Jon Petrie, director of BBC comedy, said: “All of us at BBC Comedy are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Penelope Keith. She was one of the defining figures of British television comedy. Her iconic performance as Margo in The Good Life remains one of the nation’s most beloved sitcom roles and continues to delight audiences today. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and all of those who had the privilege of working with her.” |
posted 6/29/2026 |
|
|
"Drag Race" Heads to Mexico for Worldwide Competition |
|
WOW Presents Plus has unveiled the cast for the inaugural season of Drag Race México: Latina Royale, which is set to premiere globally on July 30. The drag race competition, completely in Spanish, is set to be hosted by Lolita Banana and Taiga Brava and feature fan-favorite queens from Drag Race México and franchises around the world. Queens from the U.S., Brasil, Spain, Germany, and Holland will be featured in the competition celebrating Latin pride. The 11 queens competing in Drag Race México: Latina Royale are: The first two seasons of Drag Race México are available worldwide exclusively through World of Wonder’s WOW Presents Plus streaming platform. WOW Presents Plus is the exclusive and global home of the Drag Race franchise. Executive Producers of the show for World of Wonder are Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell, and RuPaul Charles. |
posted 6/26/2026 |
|
|
Breaking Up the "Band" |
|
Building the Band is hanging up its microphone. Netflix‘s music competition series, which was best known for filming with Liam Payne shortly before his untimely death, has been canceled after just one season. Netflix declined to comment, but a source confirmed the cancellation, which was first reported by The Sun newspaper in the UK. Produced by Remarkable Entertainment, Building the Band brought together 50 singers to compete for a chance to form their own band without seeing each other. Former One Direction singer Payne served as a mentor alongside Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, who was part of Destiny’s Child. Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean was on hosting duties. The series culminated in three live shows that were filmed in late August 2024 in front of an audience in Manchester. Two months later, Payne died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The Netflix show was dedicated to his memory. After premiering last July, Building the Band‘s finalists, 3quency, SZN4, Soulidified, and Midnight Til Morning, have all released original music and toured. |
posted 6/26/2026 |
|
|
Monday Lightning Round |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amy Schneider has shared that her mother Betty Jo has sadly passed away. The Jeopardy! star took to Instagram to announce the news through a touching tribute post. Amy posted a single photo of her mother smiling widely at the camera while sitting at a table. In the post’s caption a heartbroken Amy penned: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my mother, Betty Jo Schneider, has passed away at the age of 83. “My mom was a smart, stubborn, compassionate woman, who loved to learn, and to teach. “I wouldn’t be who I am without her inspiration, encouragement, and support. “I’m not ready for her to be gone, but her last days were spent peacefully with her family, and she feels no more pain. I love you, Mom. RIP.” Amy appeared on Jeopardy! from November 2021 to January 2022. She became the show’s first transgender contestant to qualify for the Tournament of Champions. She was also the second-longest-running player in the history of the regular format of the show. |
posted 6/26/2026 |
|
|
|
|
The next era of ballroom starts now. Dancing With the Stars began as a reality TV show that partnered recognizable celebrities with professional dancers, but over the years, the pros grew to have their own passionate fan followings. That led ABC to create its brand new spin-off, Dancing With the Stars: The Next Pro, where the winner will receive a spot on the parent series as a full-time professional. Hosted by Robert Irwin, a wildlife conservationist who won the Mirror Ball trophy in Dancing With the Stars Season 34, the new program features 12 up-and-coming dancers who move into one house and compete in a grueling competition. Three-time Mirror Ball champion Mark Ballas and his mother, “The Queen of Latin” Shirley Ballas, serve as judges. They will be joined by a recognizable lineup of returning professional dancers who act as rotating mentors/guest judges. The Next Pro is just the latest in a long line of DWTS spin-off series. Other short-lived examples include Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, Skating with the Stars, Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, and Dancing With the Stars: Athletes. Season 1 debuts July 13 on ABC. Unlike its parent series, The Next Pro is pre-taped and will not air live. The contestants... |
posted 6/26/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Sky and ITV have agreed terms over their £1.6B ($2.1B) acquisition deal and the move that will shake up British broadcasting could be announced in the next fortnight, according to Reuters. As part of the deal, Reuters confirmed previous reporting that The Great British Bake Off producer Love Productions will be sold to ITV Studios. The deal is for ITV’s Media & Entertainment arm, not its Studios production and distribution division, and it first emerged late last year. In May, ITV followed up by saying it remained in “active discussions” with Sky. Reuters said it is now being finalized by lawyers and an announcement could be made in the next couple of weeks. ITV Studios, which makes the likes of Love Island and Squid Game: The Challenge, will remain separate and will add Love Productions to its stable, a huge boon given the Great British Bake Off IP. Sky, a division of Comcast, bought 70% of Love in 2014 and the remainder in 2020. Founder Richard McKerrow exited last year. |
posted 6/25/2026 |
|
|
|
|
Harold Wheeler, the veteran orchestrator on Broadway and longtime musical director for ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, has died. He was 83. Wheeler died Wednesday from an unspecified cause of death at his home in Los Angeles, Tony Award-winning producer Lamar Richardson told The Hollywood Reporter. Wheeler began as a musical director on Broadway in 1968 when, at only 25, he was picked by Burt Bacharach to orchestrate Promises, Promises. His work as an orchestrator, music director, conductor and arranger spanned half a century on Broadway and included work on Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. Broadway musical premieres in which he was involved include Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Wiz, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Dreamgirls, Little Me, The Tap Dance Kid, Carrie, The Life, Side Show, The Full Monty, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway. In addition to his Broadway work, Wheeler has arranged and produced music for such artists as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, B.B. King, Smokey Robinson, Diana Ross, Ray Charles, Kathleen Battle, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Joe Cocker, Dizzy Gillespie and Gloria Gaynor. In 2019, Wheeler received a special Tony Award for lifetime achievement. “I was going to thank every castmember for every show I’ve every been in, until I realized I’ve done 30 Broadway shows,” he said onstage when accepting his trophy. In a 2010 interview by the New York Post, Wheeler recalled a quick cancellation in Boston for Lennon, a 2005 Broadway-bound musical he arranged, allowed him to say yes to joining Dancing With the Stars. “It was during that six-week cancellation that I got a call to work on [the] show. Had Boston not been cancelled, I would have said, ‘Sorry, not available’ and we wouldn’t be having this discussion. They shot the pilot for Dancing during the exact same six weeks we would have been in Boston. So it was meant to be,” Wheeler recalled. Wheeler and his live backing band and singers in 2014 were fired by ABC, to be replaced by recorded music and a smaller band. The Harold Wheeler Orchestra and Singers consisted of 28 members and had been with the show for 17 seasons. Wheeler also played piano for Bruce Springsteen on “Blinded by the Light” and “Spirit in the Night” on the 1973 album Greetings From Asbury Park, N.J. His other awards include the Drama Desk Award for outstanding orchestrations for Hairspray in 2003, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NAACP Theatre Awards in 2008, seven Tony noms and six Drama Desk noms. William Harold Wheeler Jr. was born in St. Louis on July 14, 1943. Starting at age 5, he played piano at Antioch Baptist Church, where the members included Chuck Berry and Ike and Tina Turner. He attended Turner Branch Elementary School, Sumner High School and Howard University before earning his master’s degree in music from the Manhattan School of Music in 1968. From 1968-71, he worked as an assistant program director for CBS-FM in New York. It was at Howard that Wheeler met his wife, Hattie Winston, an original member of the groundbreaking Negro Ensemble Company also known for her work on Becker, The Electric Company and Rugrats. They met when Wheeler was her student substitute music teacher. They teamed up for the 1971-73 Broadway production of Two Gentlemen of Verona before agreeing to marry. In addition to his wife, Wheeler is survived by his daughters, Marian and Samantha, and his grandchildren. |
posted 6/25/2026 |
|
|
Thursday Lightning Round |
|
|
|
|
|
|
MORE NEWS GSNN 30-Day News Archive GSNN 3-Month News Archive |
|
posted 6/30/2023
| Canada Day | |
Jeopardy! Love Island UK Love Island UK |
|
| noon | 25 Words or Less |
| 5p | 25 Words or Less |
| 6p | America Says |
| 8p | Best Guess Live Daily Trivia Live |
| 9p | Alone Guy's Grocery Games |
| 10:30p | Forged in Fire |
All times and editors eastern
Friends of GSNN
FlashGames
Bother's Bar
About.com Game Shows
QWIZX.com
The Futon Critic
Reality TV World
Hollywood Junket
Hal Boedeker: the TV Guy
F*** Yeah Game Shows @ Tumblr
GSNtheKnow
Gay Geeks of New York
Copyright Statement
ALL ORIGINAL MATERIAL COPYRIGHT 1999-2025 GAMESHOWNEWSNET.COM. All rights reserved.
No infringement of copyright is intended by these fan pages;
production companies of shows this site covers retain all
rights to the sounds, images, and information contained
herein. No challenge to copyright is implied.
Web design by Jason Elliott. Logo by Chico Alexander.
Full Copyright Statement
Powered by 1&1 Internet